Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition, Says Tinubu’s Re-Election Is Priority

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in office, saying his main political focus is the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made this known on Monday in Abuja while speaking with journalists after inspecting some ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister also rejected claims that the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political platform associated with him, was created to weaken or disrupt existing political parties.

According to Wike, the coalition brings together people from different political parties who support Tinubu and his administration. He said his immediate political concern is the 2027 presidential election and the continuation of the current administration beyond the election.

Wike said he was not worried about the different accusations surrounding the coalition but expressed concern over claims that the initiative could cause problems for political parties.

He explained that the coalition was not preventing anyone from supporting other political interests. Rather, he said, it was encouraging its members and other Nigerians who share the same political position to support Tinubu.

The FCT minister also referred to the role played by the G5 governors during the 2023 general elections. He questioned why similar concerns were not raised at that time over the possible effect of the group on political parties.

Wike acknowledged that the G5 may have provided some political advantage during the 2023 election but maintained that this did not explain the current criticism surrounding the Rainbow Coalition.

He also disclosed that he would appear on TVC later on Monday to give further explanations about the coalition and the concerns surrounding its activities.

The minister further dismissed speculation that his present political activities were aimed at preparing for a presidential bid in 2031.

Wike recalled that he contested the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary in 2022 and finished second. He said his experience in Nigerian politics had exposed him to the complicated nature of political competition in the country.

He also noted that the political situation in 2031 would depend on circumstances at the time, including the interests of the incumbent president and the will of God.

While speaking about development projects in the FCT, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on several roads being constructed across the capital.

The minister inspected the ongoing construction of the Inner Southern Expressway linking Ring Road I with Ring Road II, the service lanes along the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II, as well as the road connecting Nile University to Ring Road III.

Wike said the projects were expected to be completed before the January 2027 general elections and commended the contractors for the quality and pace of work.

He also said the Federal Government would continue working to fulfil the promises made under Tinubu’s administration.